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Uses For A Hard Money Loan in 2024

By craig braddick on March 1, 2024 / Flipping Houses In Arizona, hard money loans, Investment Property Loans

Hard money loans serve various purposes, primarily catering to borrowers who need quick access to capital or who may not qualify for traditional bank financing due to factors like credit history, property condition, or speed of transaction. Here are some common uses for hard money loans:

Real Estate Investments: Hard money loans are frequently utilized by real estate investors to finance the purchase, renovation, or development of properties. Investors often use these loans for fix-and-flip projects, rental property acquisitions, or land development.
Fix-and-Flip Projects: Investors use hard money loans to purchase distressed properties, renovate them quickly, and then sell them for a profit. These loans provide the necessary funds for purchasing the property and covering renovation costs.
Bridge Financing: Hard money loans can act as bridge financing to cover short-term gaps in funding, such as between the purchase of a property and securing long-term financing. This allows investors to acquire properties or capitalize on opportunities without delays.
Construction Financing: Builders and developers use hard money loans to finance construction projects, including ground-up construction, property rehabilitation, or commercial development.
Cash-Out Refinancing: Homeowners may use hard money loans to access equity in their properties by refinancing existing mortgages. This allows homeowners to use the cash for purposes like home improvements, debt consolidation, or other investments.
Non-Traditional Properties: Hard money loans are often used for properties that traditional lenders may deem too risky or unconventional, such as distressed properties, properties in poor condition, or those with unique characteristics.
Emergency Funding: Individuals or businesses facing urgent financial needs may turn to hard money loans when traditional financing options are unavailable or too slow. Hard money lenders can provide fast access to capital to address pressing financial issues.
Credit Issues: Borrowers with less-than-perfect credit histories or insufficient documentation may opt for hard money loans when traditional lenders are unwilling to extend financing. Hard money lenders focus more on the value of the collateral (the property) than the borrower’s creditworthiness.

It’s crucial for borrowers to carefully assess their needs, financial situation, and repayment ability before pursuing a hard money loan. While these loans offer flexibility and speed, they often come with higher interest rates and shorter terms compared to traditional bank loans. Working with a reputable hard money lender and conducting thorough due diligence on potential investments can help borrowers make informed decisions and maximize the benefits of hard money financing.

Phoenix Hard Money Real Estate Loans

If you’re interested in getting involved with real estate investing and need the capital to purchase properties hard money is a great way to get started. Brad Loans has extensive experience in both real estate investing and hard money lending and is proud to offer Phoenix Valley real estate investors the financing they need. It is easy to get started applying for hard money loan and Brad Loans is able to work with clients with bad credit and no credit. We are your source for hard money when traditional banks say no. Read more about Brad Loan’s hard money loan programs or get started fill out our hard money loan application or give us a call to ask questions at 602-999-9499.

What Shouldnt You Use A Hard Money Loan For?

By craig braddick on November 2, 2023 / hard money loans

What is a Hard Money Loan?

Hard money loans are primarily designed for real estate investors and are typically not suitable for all types of financing needs. There are certain situations where using a hard money loan may not be advisable. Here are some scenarios in which you should consider alternative financing options and avoid using a hard money loan:

Long-Term Financing: Hard money loans are typically short-term loans with higher interest rates and fees. If you need financing for a long-term investment, such as a 30-year mortgage for a primary residence, it’s more cost-effective to explore traditional mortgage options with lower interest rates.
Consumer Purchases: Hard money loans are not intended for personal or consumer purchases, such as buying a car, financing a vacation, or paying for household expenses. For personal financing needs, consider personal loans, auto loans, or credit cards with more favorable terms.
Everyday Business Expenses: Hard money loans are not a suitable option for covering regular operating expenses or cash flow gaps in an ongoing business. Business lines of credit or business loans designed for working capital needs are more appropriate.
Unprofitable Real Estate Ventures: Hard money loans are generally used by experienced real estate investors to fund projects with a clear potential for profitability. If a real estate venture is unlikely to generate a return on investment that exceeds the cost of the loan, using a hard money loan may not be financially prudent.
Non-Real Estate Investments: Hard money loans are specialized for real estate investment purposes. If you’re looking to finance other types of investments, such as stocks, bonds, or start-up businesses, explore investment loans or other financing options specifically tailored for those purposes.
Debt Consolidation: Using a hard money loan to consolidate existing high-interest debt, such as credit card debt or personal loans, is not recommended. The high-interest rates and fees associated with hard money loans can exacerbate your debt situation.
Speculative Investments: While hard money loans are commonly used for real estate investments, using them for highly speculative ventures, particularly those without a clear business plan or exit strategy, can be risky.
Down Payment on a Primary Residence: Using a hard money loan for the down payment on a primary residence is generally not advisable, as it can lead to financial instability and difficulties in repaying the high-cost loan.
Projects with Unclear Exit Strategies: Hard money loans often require a clear exit strategy, such as the sale of the property or refinancing. If you’re unsure how you’ll repay the loan when it matures, it’s best to seek alternative financing.

It’s essential to carefully assess your financing needs, consider the costs and terms associated with hard money loans, and explore other financing options before deciding whether a hard money loan is the right choice for your specific situation. If you have doubts about the suitability of a hard money loan, consult with a financial advisor or lender to explore alternative financing solutions that align with your goals and financial stability.

If parting with a large sum of money upfront makes you uncomfortable, then a hard money loan may be the way to go. Phoenix, AZ hard money lenders work primarily with real estate investors and provide capital for renovating and purchasing properties. They have a well-rounded understanding of the unique needs of the investor and because of this, they work much differently than the typical mortgage lender.

What Is A Hard Money Loan?

The definition of hard money loan is: A last resort loan or short-term loan to close a bridge or gap in your finances. A hard money loan is not based on credit but it is backed by the overall value of the property.

Due to the property being used as the protection against default from the borrower, these type of loans usually have a low loan-to-value ratio also known as (LTV) typically lower than other traditional loans.

Hard money loans are mainly used for real estate transactions and are money from a company or an individual and not a financial institute.
A hard money loan, typically taken out for a brief period of time, is a way to raise money fast, but at higher costs and a lower loan to value (LTV) ratio.
Since hard money loans aren’t commonly executed, the funding deadline is extremely reduced.
The conditions of hard money loans may frequently be negotiated between the lender and the borrower. These types of loans usually use property as the collateral.
Repayment could lead to default but nevertheless end up in a profitable business deal for the lender.

How Does A Hard Money Loan Work In Phoenix?

A bridge loan or hard money loan is a tool for short term lending which is used by real estate investors for financing investment projects. It is quite common for bridge loans to be used by real estate developers or house flippers that have a goal of developing or renovating properties than selling them for profit. Private lenders will issue hard money loans, instead of financial institutions like banks or credit unions.

Traditional bank loans tend to focus on the creditworthiness of the borrow, while hard money loans aren’t based on solely on your credit. It is based on your ability to pay back the loan along with the merit of the real estate investment opportunity and property value to approve the loan. The lender will pay close attention to the after repair value or ARV, which is an estimate of the property value after the renovation or development has been completed. Lenders will also take into account your plan for what needs to be done to a property, who will do it, and how it will be paid for. The overall business plan is a larger factor in these lending situations than the credit history of the borrower.

Hard Money Loans For Phoenix Real Estate

Hard money lenders are in the business of funding real estate property investments – not the standard dream house of the homeowner. Usually, investment properties need work so they can be sold at their full value. Either through resale (the classic “Fix & Flip”) or for renovating and buying a property for rental.

If a real estate investor does not have deep pockets, a hard money loan is a viable option so they do not have to pay cash for every property they buy. Although having shorter terms and higher rates, hard money borrowing is simply a game of numbers. When everything you are investing comes together for profit, a hard money loan can be a good choice.

If you are unsure of the higher rates and lack another source of funding you may have to walk away from a great deal, so it may well be the case a hard money loan is a good choice after all.

What Hard Money Lenders Consider When Funding A Property

Lenders will often use a decision matrix known as “The Six C’s” when they consider their options to fund a property. The goal is to minimize risk while still making money.

Lenders are looking for more than higher yields. They eat secure, safe investments that make a return on their capital and a return on investment that is solid. They need to know when they will be paid back and how. Relationship building is important to hard money lenders as they like to build repeat business with investors.

Hard Money Loan Requirements

Here are the seven requirements to receive a loan from a hard money lender.

Step 1. Save Up A Down Payment

A down payment on a hard money loan is oftentimes larger than a down payment made on a traditional mortgage. This is simply because the loan is only backed by the property in question. The down payment on this loan is the difference between the purchase price plus the budget, and 70% of the ARV.

For instance, let’s assume an investor is purchasing a property for $200,000, with a $50,000 budget. The down payment would then by 70% ARV – purchase – budget. So, $300,000 x 70% – $210,000 – $50,000 equates to a $40,000 down payment. Bear in mind you also must cover the property insurance, fees, closing costs and other underwriting expenses.

Step 2. Set Up LLC.

Few of these projects in real estate go exactly as planned. Setting up an LLC for your investment(s) is the best way to protect your personal assets, while limiting your risks at the same time.

Most hard money lenders tend to only lend to corporations and LLCs. Hard money lenders will not issue consumer loans, so working with an LLC ensures the loan is strictly a business transaction.

Step 3. Find A Reputable Hard Money Lender

Not all hard money lenders are the same. These are privately-owned businesses and individuals, so it’s crucial to weigh these factors when searching for a lender:

Reputation: Does the lender have a good reputation among local builders and home flippers?
Speed: How fast can the lender get you the funds you need for the project?
Affordability: Shop around for competitive rates since hard money lenders have higher interest rates than traditional loans.
Location: Make sure you always work with a local lender.

Step 4. Prepare Your Proof Of Income

Getting approved for hard money loans will require much less paperwork than applying for a traditional loan. One of the few requirements is providing proof of income. Your lender needs to know that you can make the required monthly payments prior to giving you said loan.

Step 5. Set Up A Payment Strategy

These are short-term investments, with usual terms of 12-24 months. This means you will need an exit strategy from the start.

The most common strategy is selling the property within the loan period. Most hard money loans are passed out for flips or construction projects. Investors typically sell the property at a profit once the work is completed.

Step 6. Apply For The Loan

Applying for these loans is surprisingly simple. There are very few requirements, as mentioned above, and hard money lenders usually have applications available online.

Step 7. Review Paperwork With An Attorney

The last suggested step to take is reviewing the paperwork with an attorney. An attorney will check the following items:

Are all the fees disclosed?
Is the payment schedule included and clear?
Does the agreement clarify how much of the payment is applied to interest?

Hard Money Loan Benefits

Clearly there are limitations to convention loans offered by banks, especially for fix and flip opportunities. They take longer and are limited by bank conducted property appraisals. Hard money loans offer huge advantages for investors and home buyers.

Much Faster Application Process: The application process requires less documentation and is conducted much more quickly. The borrower’s financial history will be looked at but more importantly if the borrower is able to produce a down payment and the project’s merits. Many loan applications can be approved and funded in as little as 7-10 days! Compared to the month or more that conventional loans you will have a much greater chance of getting the property secured for your real estate investment project, or the home of your dreams.

Greater Fix & Flip Flexibility: Hard money lenders evaluate the feasibility of project to turn a profit based on what it will generate during the renovations or upon completion of the project when it is sold. The condition of the property is taken into consideration but hard money lenders are not as concerned with the present value of the property as they understand that an integral element of the process is to improvement of the property. A factor that hard money lenders value is, how quickly a real estate investment will make them back their investment, plus the interest on the loan. Read more about: Fix And Flip Loans

Funding For Bad Credit: Whether you’ve just started out and don’t have any established credit history or if you have had problems with your credit, hard money lenders have much more flexibility to who they make loans to. This is a major advantage for a lot of consumers that have unavoidable credit challenges but still want to purchase a home, or want to get involved with real estate investing.

The Six C’s of Hard Money Lending

Collateral: As lenders are in the money business as opposed to the real estate business – they carefully consider the marketability, physical condition, and potential profit among others all to determine the form of equity cushion offered by the property in its loan-to-value (LTV.) They ask “What are we left with?” should the property have to be foreclosed on.
Conditions: In order to minimize risk, lenders look carefully into the conditions surrounding the area, what is the investment target area and the availability of resources, demands for the property, other property inventory and is the property for rental or resale?
Capacity: lenders need to know the borrower has the capacity and the means to carry out the terms of the loan and the proposed renovations. They will look at partnerships, experience, outcomes, existing obligations and resources of the borrower.
Capital: “No Money Down. is a misleading notion in the world of real estate investing. Lenders want you to have some skin in the game at the closing table.
Character: lenders may also look at the character of the political borrower. They look for judgments, liens, and background checks as well as derogatory public records and their criminal background.
Credit: Credit is not the most important thing when it comes to asset-based, hard money lending. Good credit can be a deciding factor though but it is combined with how good the other five

Private Money vs. Hard Money

Private money lenders source capital for hard money loans – but there is an important distinction. Private money lenders are individuals who work on behalf of themselves. Hard money lenders are single entities working on behalf of private lenders of money to offer their capital for a return.

When you need short term funding for real estate investments, hard money loans are often the answer. Utilized frequently by fix & flip investors. Hard money loans are quick to close and are far more flexible than mortgage loans that are traditional. hard money loans are sometimes referred to “easy money with hard terms.” In other words, they are more costly but easier to get. Real estate investors look at the cost of hard money as part of their projections for profit on fix & flip properties.

Hard Money Lenders in Phoenix, AZ

When you are searching for hard money loans near me in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Glendale, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, or Gilbert, Arizona; Brad Loans is Arizona’s most trusted direct hard money lender! We specialize in hard money loans for Fix and Flip, refinancing mortgages with bad credit, business loans secured by real estate, real estate purchases, short sales, and other endeavors with quick turnaround in the Phoenix Valley.

BradLoans.com is the most trusted direct hard money lender and private money lender in Arizona! We are the best hard money lender in Arizona with the ability to fund commercial & residential hard money loans many times within a couple of days or less. Our lending rates and fees are reasonable compared to other Arizona hard money brokers or mortgage brokers in Arizona.

Hard Money Loans Interest Rates

By craig braddick on November 2, 2023 / hard money loans

Hard money loans typically come with higher interest rates compared to traditional bank loans. The specific interest rate on a hard money loan can vary based on several factors, including the lender, the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, the borrower’s creditworthiness, and the local real estate market. Here are some general guidelines on hard money loan interest rates:

Higher Interest Rates: Hard money lenders charge higher interest rates because they provide loans that are riskier and typically have shorter terms than traditional mortgages. Interest rates on hard money loans can range from 7% to 15% or more. The rate may be fixed or variable, depending on the loan terms.
Risk-Based Pricing: The interest rate you’ll receive on a hard money loan is often determined by the perceived level of risk associated with the loan. Lenders assess factors like the property’s condition, the borrower’s credit history, and the borrower’s experience in real estate to determine the appropriate interest rate.
Loan-to-Value Ratio: The loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, which is the ratio of the loan amount to the property’s appraised value, plays a significant role in determining the interest rate. Generally, the lower the LTV, the lower the interest rate. A lower LTV reduces the lender’s risk.
Loan Term: Hard money loans typically have short terms, often ranging from six months to a few years. Shorter-term loans may have slightly higher interest rates than longer-term loans.
Points: Some hard money lenders charge “points” upfront, which are an additional fee expressed as a percentage of the loan amount. Points are paid at the closing of the loan and are in addition to the interest rate. The number of points can vary but is typically 1% to 5% of the loan amount. In some cases, points can be negotiable.
Location and Market Conditions: Local real estate market conditions can also influence interest rates. In areas with high demand for hard money loans, interest rates may be slightly higher.
Borrower’s Experience: Some hard money lenders consider the borrower’s experience in real estate investment when determining the interest rate. More experienced investors may receive more favorable terms.
Credit History: While hard money lenders primarily focus on the collateral (the property) when making lending decisions, some may still consider the borrower’s credit history to some extent. However, poor credit is generally less of a concern for hard money lenders than it is for traditional banks.

It’s essential to shop around and obtain quotes from different hard money lenders to compare their interest rates and terms. Understand the terms and conditions of the loan, including the repayment schedule, any prepayment penalties, and any additional fees. Additionally, carefully evaluate the potential return on investment (ROI) to ensure that the higher interest rates associated with hard money loans are justifiable for your specific real estate project.

Hard Money Loans

When you hear the words “hard money loan” (or “private money loan”) what’s the first thing that goes through your mind? Some shady looking lender who is conducting business in a dark alley while charging sky high interest rates?

In recent years, there have been some bad lenders that have really gave hard money lending a bad name when a few lenders decided to loan-to-own to people which provided very risky loans to borrowers while using real estate as collateral and they intended to foreclose on the property. Luckily, these hard money lenders don’t exist in this market, although there is still some bad blood in real estate investing for those who haven’t used the services of a reputable hard money lender.

This article will cover the basic of hard money loans, which include:

What are hard money loans
Types of properties hard money loans work best for
What deals a hard money loan can be used for
Interest Rates & Points for a hard money loan
Hard Money loan to value ratios
Borrower requirements for a hard money loan
Finding a hard money lender to work with

What Are Hard Money Loans?

Hard money loans are short term loans that are secured by real estate. They are often funded by private investors instead of conventional lenders like credit unions or banks. The terms are for about 12 months but they may be extended to 2 to 5 years. The loan does require monthly payments of interest or some principal and interest with a balloon payment at the end of the loan.

The amount that you can borrow is based on the value of the property. The property has to be one that you already own and wishes to use as collateral or it could be the property that you are trying to buy.

Hard money lenders are mainly worried about the property value instead of your credit, although credit scores are still important to lenders. Those who can’t get a conventional loan because of a short sale or foreclosure can get a hard money loan if they have plenty of equity in the property being used. When a bank says no, a hard money lender may say yes.

Types of Property Hard Money Loans Work Best For

You may get a hard money loan on most types of property which includes single family residential property, commercial, industrial, multi-family residential and land.

There are some hard money loan lenders that specialize in a certain property type like residential and may not be able to do land loans, because they have no experience in that field. Many lenders will have a particular niche that they are comfortable with. Ask which loans that they do.

Most hard money lenders won’t lend on residential properties that are owner occupied due to extra rules and regulations, but there are some that will go through the paperwork with the borrower. Many lenders will do 1^st position while fewer will do 2^nd position because of the risk.

What Deals Should a Hard Money Loan Be Used For?

A hard money loan isn’t best for all deals. When you are purchasing primary residences with good income history, credit, and there aren’t issues like foreclosures or short sales, conventional loans through a bank are best if the borrower has time to deal with the lengthy approval process. Hard money loans are your source of financing when banks aren’t an option or the loan is needed quickly.

Hard money loans are best for:

When real estate investors need to act quick
When the buyer has credit issues.
Land loans
Construction loans
Fix and flips

Who Needs a Hard Money Loan?

Real estate investors will often use hard money loans for various reasons. The biggest reason is that the ability of hard money is to fund it quickly. In many situations, hard money can be funded in a week. Compared to the 45 days that it may take for a bank loan. The application for a hard money loan takes about 2 days, in some instances it could be approved in the same day.

The capacity to get subsidizing at a considerably quicker rate than a bank advance is a critical preferred standpoint for a land financial specialist. Particularly when the land speculator is attempting to secure a property with many contending offers, a snappy close with a hard money advance will stand out enough to be noticed and separate their offer from whatever remains of the purchasers offering moderate regular financing.

Another reason a borrower may utilize a hard money loan is that they have been dismissed by the banks for a typical mortgage. Life doesn’t generally go as arranged. Short deals, abandonments, credit issues… they happen. Another vital thing banks need to see is pay history. In the event that a potential borrower as of late began another employment, the bank may deny the loan ask for because of lacking salary history, regardless of the possibility that the borrower makes a sound pay. Hard money banks can look past these issues as long the advance be reimbursed and the borrower has enough value put resources into the property.

Interest Rates and Points For a Hard Money Loan

The financing costs and focuses charged by hard money loan specialists will shift from bank to moneylender and will likewise fluctuate from district to locale. For instance, hard money loan specialists in California by and large have bring down rates than different parts of the nation since California has numerous hard money loaning firms. Expanded rivalry prompts an abatement in costs.

Hard money moneylenders go out on a limb with their loans contrasted with an ordinary bank advance. Because of this higher hazard required on a hard money loan, the financing costs for a hard money advance will be higher than typical mortgages. Financing costs for hard money advances extend from 10 – 15% relying upon the particular moneylender and the apparent danger of the loan. Focuses can go somewhere in the range of 2 – 4% of the aggregate sum loaned. The financing costs and focuses may shift significantly contingent upon the loan to esteem proportion.

Hard Money Loan to Value Ratios

The credit sum the hard cash bank can loan is controlled by the proportion of advance sum isolated by the estimation of property. This is known as the credit to esteem (LTV). Numerous hard cash moneylenders will loan up to 65 – 75% of the present estimation of the property. A few loan specialists will loan in light of the after repair esteem (ARV) which is the evaluated estimation of the property after the borrower has enhanced the property. This makes a less secure credit from the hard cash moneylender’s point of view, in light of the fact that the measure of capital put in by the loan specialist increments and the measure of capital contributed by the borrower diminishes. This expanded hazard will make the hard cash loan specialist charge a higher financing cost.

There are some hard cash loan specialists who will loan a high level of the ARV and will even back the recovery costs. This may sound incredible from the borrower’s perspective in the first place, however these sorts of credits have a substantially higher hazard included and the loan fee and focuses will be MUCH higher. Expect 15 – 18% intrigue and 5 – 6 focuses when a bank finances an advance with practically zero up front installment from the borrower. Sometimes, it might be advantageous for the borrower to pay these over the top rates with a specific end goal to secure the arrangement in the event that they can in any case produce benefit from the venture.

Borrower Requirements for Hard Money Loans

As talked about before, hard cash moneylenders are principally worried about the measure of value the borrower has put resources into the property that will be utilized as guarantee. They are less worried about the borrower’s FICO score. Issues on a borrower’s record, for example, an abandonment or short deal can be disregarded if the borrower has the money to pay the enthusiasm on the advance.

The hard cash loan specialist should likewise consider the borrower’s arrangement for the property. The borrower must present a sensible arrangement that shows how they plan to at last result the credit. Generally, this is enhancing the property and offering it or acquiring long haul financing later on.

Finding a Hard Money Lender to Work With

There are a lot of different ways to find a good hard money lender. One way is to do a Google search for hard money lenders in your area. There will be other companies in the search results as well as lists made by other people. This provides plenty of lenders to start contacting and checking out.

You can also try attending a local real estate investor club meeting. These meetings are in many cities and are well attended by hard money lenders looking to network with buyers. If no lenders are present at the meeting, ask other investors if they have a lender to recommend. Conventional mortgage brokers, real estate brokers, and other professionals can help to recommend a hard money lender. Check your network and see who is recommended.

Once you have a few on your list, start contacting them and find the best lender for your deal.

Conclusion

We hope that this article has given you enough information and confidence to consider hard money lenders and loans for a future estate deal. The higher interest rates may seem a bit scary, but the benefits of getting a loan quickly and being able to get financing when everyone else has said no is well worth it. Brad Loans by eMortage is a hard money lender in Phoenix, Arizona offering hard money loans to residential and commercial property buyers.

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